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FM Shalom: Israel to Build Fence Regardless of ICJ Decision

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom told the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem Sunday: Today we have suffered yet another brutal, inhuman attack on our people and on our way of life - right next door to this hotel - I am sure you all heard the blast. More proof that there are no limits to the hatred of Israel and the refusal to accept our right - as individuals and as a nation - to build our Jewish state in our homeland. So long as the terrorists continue to seek to enter our cities and destroy our lives, Israel will continue to exercise its legal right and its democratic obligation to protect and defend its citizens through building the security fence. Israel rejects the referral of the issue of the fence to the International Court of Justice. These proceedings will only encourage the Palestinians to continue to avoid fulfilling their own obligations. We are very encouraged that the overwhelming majority of the world's countries agree with us. Only 13 Muslim and African countries - and Cuba - will be actively participating in the court's proceedings. But the battle is not over. This issue will be referred back to the UN again and the Palestinians will continue to try to use it to bring pressure and sanctions on Israel. Israel will continue to build the fence no matter what the outcome of the political case at the ICJ.
2004-02-23 00:00:00
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